These guacamole cups are a fun way to serve up deliciousness! Made with creamy avocado and zesty lime, they’re perfect for any party or snack time.
They’re like little flavor cups that everyone enjoys. I love making them for game days and watching people go back for seconds! Who can resist that tasty dip? 🥑
These cups are super easy to put together, and you can even add in some tomatoes or onions for extra crunch. Perfect for sharing—or not! 😉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tortillas: Small flour or corn tortillas work best for shaping into cups. If you’re gluten-free, corn tortillas are a great choice. You can also use larger tortillas and cut them down.
Avocados: Ripe avocados are crucial for creamy guacamole. If they’re not ripe yet, place them in a brown paper bag for a day or two to speed up the process.
Tomato: I use fresh tomatoes for their burst of flavour. You can substitute with pico de gallo or even canned diced tomatoes if fresh ones are not available.
Cilantro: This adds a fresh kick! If you’re not a fan of cilantro, try fresh parsley or omit it altogether.
Cotija Cheese: This crumbly cheese adds great flavor. If you can’t find it, feta or queso fresco will work as good alternatives.
How Do I Ensure My Tortilla Cups Turn Out Perfectly?
Shaping and crisping the tortilla cups may seem tricky but it’s easy! Just follow these steps carefully:
- Use medium-high heat for frying to avoid burning the tortillas.
- Fry each piece just until it’s pliable, not crispy; this helps them hold their shape when baking.
- Press the tortillas into the muffin tin immediately after frying to form the cup shape; they will set as they cool in the oven.
- Bake until golden for a perfect crunch that’s sturdy enough to hold all that tasty guacamole.
How to Make Delicious Guacamole Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tortilla Cups:
- 6 small flour or corn tortillas
- Cooking oil (for frying, about 1 cup)
For the Guacamole Filling:
- 2 ripe avocados
- 1 small tomato, finely diced
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, juiced
- Salt to taste
- 1/4 cup crumbled cotija or feta cheese
- Additional chopped cilantro and tomato for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare, including the time for frying the tortilla cups and preparing the guacamole. It’s a quick and fun appetizer that’s sure to impress!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a muffin tin lightly with oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Shape the Tortilla Cups:
Cut each tortilla into small rounds or squares that can fit into the muffin tin cups. You can use a cookie cutter or a glass for this. The tortillas should be big enough to form little cups.
3. Fry the Tortillas:
In a deep skillet, heat about 1 cup of cooking oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot (you can test by placing a small piece of tortilla in—if it bubbles, it’s ready), fry each tortilla piece for about 15-20 seconds until soft but still pliable. Avoid making them crispy.
4. Bake the Tortilla Cups:
Immediately after frying, press each tortilla into the muffin tin to shape them into cups. Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for about 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden and crispy. Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool.
5. Prepare the Guacamole:
While the tortilla cups are baking, prepare the guacamole. In a medium bowl, mash the ripe avocados until creamy but still a bit chunky. Add in the diced tomato, chopped red onion, minced jalapeño (if you like a little heat), chopped cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Gently mix everything together.
6. Assemble the Guacamole Cups:
Carefully spoon the prepared guacamole into each crispy tortilla cup. Be generous with the filling!
7. Garnish and Serve:
Top each cup with a sprinkle of crumbled cotija cheese and add some extra chopped tomato and cilantro for a fresh touch. Serve these delightful guacamole cups immediately for that crispy, fresh taste. Enjoy!
These guacamole cups are the perfect bite-sized snack bursting with flavor. Your friends and family will love them!
Can I Use Different Types of Tortillas?
Absolutely! You can use either flour or corn tortillas based on your preference. Just keep in mind that corn tortillas are gluten-free, making them a great option if you have dietary restrictions.
How Can I Store Leftover Guacamole Cups?
If you have leftovers, it’s best to store the guacamole and tortilla cups separately. Store the guacamole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The tortilla cups can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature if they haven’t been filled.
Can I Make These Cups Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare the tortilla cups a few hours in advance and store them in an airtight container. Just fill them with guacamole right before serving for the best crunch.
What If My Avocados Aren’t Ripe?
If your avocados aren’t ripe yet, place them in a brown paper bag at room temperature for a day or two. This helps speed up the ripening process, making them perfect for guacamole!